What to do with Washington St.

At the last regular council meeting on Monday, Oct. 26, city council reviewed the results of the Washington St. Design Charette, and voted on how to proceed.

Included in the material presented to council was not only staff recommendations, but responses from community members.

Bike lane to Jubilee

A number people strongly agreed with constructing a bike lane from First Ave. to Jubilee St., but there were also a number of people who disagreed with it. One person called the idea “ridiculous” and many were concerned that the new bike lane would eat into available parking space.

Council ultimately voted to proceed with the bike lane as planned, as recommended by city staff.

West sidewalk to Fourth

Most people supported the idea of putting in a sidewalk on the west side of Washington from downtown to Fourth Ave. People were mostly concerned about losing parking or street width, but many agreed the sidewalk was needed for the safety of students walking to school.

Staff recommended proceeding as planned, which city council did.

East sidewalk to Centennial

Most people support a sidewalk on the east side of Washington as well. Those who opposed it thought adding a sidewalk would make the street too narrow to be safe, especially in winter. Others didn’t feel their needed to be a sidewalk all the way up Washington. Many of those who supported the sidewalk suggested adding some kind of barrier at the corner near Sixth Ave.

Staff recommended proceeding with a sidewalk but adding bollards for pedestrian safety, and council voted to accept the recommendations.

Close Fourth

Residents were split on whether or not to close fourth. Some felt that closing the intersection would increase safety, while others felt it was unnecessary, inconvenient and not the right place for a crosswalk to Seven Summits School.

Staff recommended proceeding as planned, and said that both public works and the school district approve the location of the crosswalk. Council supported the recommendations.

Close Sixth

Most people supported closing Sixth Ave. because of safety concerns. Those opposed to closing it suggested making it a one-way street going down from Washington.

Staff recommended closing the intersection for safety reasons, but also noted that it may be less costly to keep the street open as a one-way. Council directed staff to look into which option would be better, based on cost and safety.

Close Turner

More people supported closing Turner Ave. than opposed it. Most supporters said they felt the intersection was dangerous, while those opposed were concerned about accessing their homes.

Staff recommended looking at options to turn Turner into a one-way so residence can easily access their property, and council supported the recommendation, directing staff to choose the best option.

Kirkup and McLeod intersection

Residents were also split on the redesign of the Kirkup Ave. and McLeod Ave. Intersection. Many of those opposed to the redesign didn’t feel it did anything to mitigate speeding on McLeod, and wanted to see McLeod turn onto Kirkup, but staff recommended against that, as it created poor sight lines and awkward angles. Council voted to proceed with the redesign as planned.

Bumpouts

More people supported the bumpouts at Second Ave. and Third Ave. than opposed them. Those opposed felt the streets would be too narrow, those in favour felt they’d calm traffic.

Staff recommended proceeding as planned and council agreed, voting to add an extra bumpout up near Kirkup at the crosswalk.

Landscaping

The majority were in favour of the proposed landscaping, which calls for using drought resistant trees, shrubs and flowers. Those in favour felt Washington could use a touch up, while those opposed were concerned about the cost. Many people were also concerned about sight lines, and approved so long as they were maintained.

Staff recommended proceeding with landscaping while ensuring that it doesn’t obstruct views and requires low maintenance costs. Council approved.